The Rutgers Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday it has selected AECOM, a sports facility design company, to conduct an analysis of its athletic venues.
Rutgers said AECOM will provide Master Planning services and assess all existing athletic facilities at the university’s New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses, including developing scenarios for campus renovations and locating sites for new facilities.
“We are excited to team with AECOM, an international leader in sports facility design,” Pat Hobbs, director of athletics, said. “The competitive landscape in collegiate athletics is ever changing. This project will provide us with a roadmap that optimizes the current use of our facilities, while keeping an eye to future changes in how venues are utilized. We are committed to providing a best-in-class experience for our coaches, student-athletes and spectators on game day.”
AECOM will also be tasked with enhancing the operational facilities and fan experience at SHI stadium, Rutgers Athletic Center and other venues.
“We are incredibly excited to be selected as a partner for Rutgers,” Kim Vierheilig, managing principal of AECOM NJ, said. “With the success Rutgers is having on the hardwood and with the return of Coach Schiano, there is a sense of momentum and anticipation. We understand the important role Rutgers has in the state of New Jersey and believe that Rutgers has the potential to become the premier fan experience in the Metropolitan area.”
In recent years, Rutgers Athetlics has made improvements to its venues and has built new facilities to enhance the student athlete experience, including the RWJ Barnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, which houses the men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics and wrestling programs; and The Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center, an 80,000-square foot complex that serves all Rutgers student-athletes and provide a range of resources.
“Power 5 schools count on us to help them elevate their game for championship-caliber futures,” Jon Niemuth, vice president and director of AECOM Sports, said. “The Big Ten Build represents Rutgers’ commitment to win on all fronts – for student-athletes, fans and the community. We’re ready to help Rutgers build that winning future.”
